Selling your home? Staging Like a Pro

We
all know how important first impressions are, and selling your home
is no exception. If you’re thinking of selling your home, use
these 7 simple staging tips to make your home memorable and create a
great impression.

Closets
and cupboards –
Think people won’t peek? Think again! Storage is a main
consideration for most home buyers, and they most certainly will be
opening cupboards and closets for a look. Get your closets
organized, and put out-of-season clothes away to create more room.
Cupboards should be cleaned and organized.

Personal
items and clutter –
Remove personal photos, knickknacks, mementos, and any dated items
to help “de-personalize” your home. This is as much for
your security as it is for presentation. You can either get a
jumpstart on your packing, or simply tuck things away for showings.
De-clutter as much as possible; not everyone will see your
knickknacks in the same light you do.

Remove
valuables, prescription medications, collectibles and breakables –
Put these items into storage or take them with you when you leave
the house (where possible).

The
nose knows –
Research has shown that the smell of fresh-baked bread or
chocolate-chip cookies are appealing and comforting to people.
Garlic, onions or fish, not so much. Refrain from cooking meals that
may leave offensive odors close to a showing. Bake something yummy,
or use subtle air fresheners. Keep the fresheners light –
remember that people have allergies.

Fix
it –
Make any small functional repairs you may have been putting off,
like dripping taps, leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.

Light
it up –
Ensure things are well-lit with as much natural light as possible,
or strategically-placed lamps throughout the home. Adding mirrors
can help with light play as well, and make rooms feel more open.

Furniture
–
Try rearranging your furniture slightly with interesting angles and
pulling it out from walls a few inches. This will help create a more
interesting space. Use plants in colorful planters or baskets to
fill in empty spaces and add accents.

Following
these 7 simple tips will help you put your home’s best foot
forward, and create a great first impression every time for potential
buyers.